Consumer prices steady in December

Consumer sentiment decreased 3.9 points month-over-month in September to 47.8, and is down 7.3 points from one year ago, according to preliminary results of the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.

Recent hiring gains have been overwhelmingly concentrated among women, who accounted for roughly 98% of jobs added in August and 93% of jobs added since the beginning of 2025.

Continuing inflationary pressure could weigh on consumer and business sentiment, erode purchasing power and dampen real economic growth. This could be a headwind for loan demand, particularly for interest rate-sensitive products such as mortgages and auto loans.

The Producer Price Index for final demand increased 0.4% in August, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Existing-home sales decreased by 1% month-over-month in August and 1.2% year-over-year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.76% this week. The rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.09%.